piece of cured veal on a wooden work surface
Click on the image, above to submit to Pinterest.

Pastourmas Lountza (Veal Spiced with Garlic and Cayenne Pepper)

Pastourmas Lountza (Veal Spiced with Garlic and Cayenne Pepper) is a traditional Cypriot recipe for a classic starter or hot mezze dish of a spiced veal leg that is brined to preserve and barbecued before serving. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Cypriot version of: Veal Spiced with Garlic and Cayenne Pepper (Pastourmas Lountza).

prep time

20 minutes

cook time

20 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Additional Time:

(+12 days curing/drying)

Serves:

20+

Rating: 4.5 star rating

Tags : Spice RecipesCyprus Recipes

(click this button to prevent the screen from sleeping so Cook Mode is 'ON')



This is a classic mezze from the island of Cyprus that is traditionally served as zesti mezedhes (hot mezed) dishes, typically to accompany drinks. It can be found in bars and tavernas all over the island.

Ingredients


1 leg of veal
salt
cloves from 2 heads of garlic, peeled
2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp cumin seeds
salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

Method:

Trim and bone the veal then cut the meat into long slices each about 12mm thick. Make long slits in the meat on both sides (do not cut through) and pack these with salt.

Scatter a thick bed of salt on cloths then sit the meat on top (make certain the pieces are not touching) then cover the meat with more salt and wrap in the cloths. Sit on a board, place another board on top and press down with weights. Set aside in a cool place to cure and dry for between 4 and 5 days.

After this time, scrape the excess salt from the meat and hang up in the sun to dry for between 4 and 5 days, or until well dried.

Pound the garlic in a mortar to a smooth paste and mix in the cayenne pepper and cumin seeds. Season very liberally with salt and freshly-ground black pepper then rub this paste all over the meat. Hang up in the sun for 2 more days to cure.

After this time it can be served. Cook on a barbecue before serving.